Systems and methods for remotely controlling security devices

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for displaying and securing articles of merchandise. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of security devices, wherein each of the security devices includes a sensor configured to be attached to an article of merchandise. Each of the security devices further includes a base for removably supporting the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a controller in communication with each of the security devices, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a remote device to lock at least one of the security devices such that the article of merchandise and the sensor cannot be removed from the base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/112,230, filed on Jul. 18, 2016, which isa 371 national phase entry of International Application No.PCT/US2015/010576, filed on Jan. 8, 2015, which is a non-provisional ofand claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/930,039,filed Jan. 22, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to merchandisedisplay systems and methods, in particular, to systems and methods forremotely controlling security devices used to display and securemerchandise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retailers routinely display articles of merchandise, such as phones,portable computers (e.g. notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), e-readers,media players, and the like for customers to evaluate before making apurchase. These articles of merchandise are continually being madesmaller and lighter in weight due to advances in technology andmaterials. As a result, such merchandise is increasingly vulnerable andsusceptible to theft. At the same time, the retail price and profitmargin for such merchandise continues to decline. Accordingly, thesearticles of merchandise need to be secured by a security device thateffectively and cost efficiently protects the merchandise from theft.

It is common in the retail security industry to utilize security devicesto secure electronic devices to a fixture to prevent theft yet allow acustomer to interact with the device. However, difficulties arise when aretailer wishes to facilitate communication with a plurality of securitydevices or to provide additional security on demand in an efficientmanner.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methodsfor displaying and securing articles of merchandise. In one embodiment,a merchandise security system is provided. The merchandise securitysystem includes a plurality of security devices, each of the securitydevices comprising a sensor configured to be attached to an article ofmerchandise and further comprising a base for removably supporting thesensor and the article of merchandise thereon. The merchandise securitysystem also includes a controller in communication with each of thesecurity devices, wherein the controller is configured to communicatewith a remote device to lock at least one of the security devices suchthat the article of merchandise and the sensor cannot be removed fromthe base. In some cases, the communication between the controller andthe remote device is wireless.

In another embodiment, a merchandise security system is provided andincludes a plurality of security devices, each of the security devicescomprising a sensor configured to be attached to an article ofmerchandise and further comprising a base for removably supporting thesensor and the article of merchandise thereon. The merchandise securitysystem further includes a controller in communication with each of thesecurity devices and a remote device configured to communicate with thecontroller. The controller is configured to communicate with the remotedevice to lock at least one of the security devices such that thearticle of merchandise and the sensor cannot be removed from the base.

In another embodiment, a method for displaying and securing articles ofmerchandise is provided. The method includes receiving a remote signalat a controller in communication with a plurality of security devices,each of the security devices comprising a sensor configured to beattached to an article of merchandise and further comprising a base forremovably supporting the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon.The method further includes locking at least one of the security devicesin response to the remote signal such that the article of merchandiseand the sensor cannot be removed from the base.

In one embodiment, a merchandise security system is provided andincludes a plurality of security devices, each of the security devicescomprising a base for removably supporting an article of merchandisethereon, each of the security devices further comprising a lockingmechanism configured to operably engage the article of merchandise. Themerchandise security system also includes a controller in communicationwith each of the security devices. The controller is configured tocommunicate with a remote device for actuating at least one of thelocking mechanisms such that the article of merchandise cannot beremoved from the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a merchandise security system according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a merchandise security system according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is schematic of a security device according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichvarious embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, andprime notation and multiple prime notations are used to indicate similarelements in alternative embodiments.

One or more embodiments of a system for securing an article ofmerchandise are described below and shown. The article of merchandise istypically a display model or an operational sample of electronicmerchandise, such as portable telephones, smart phones, computers (e.g.notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), e-readers, media players, and thelike, for a customer to examine before making a decision to purchase theitem. The article of merchandise is typically displayed in a manner thatpermits a prospective purchaser to evaluate the operation and featuresof the merchandise, while protecting the merchandise from a potentialthief. In one embodiment, a sensor may be attached to the article ofmerchandise for detecting various alarming conditions, such as thearticle being removed from the sensor. In some embodiments, the securitydevices may be similar to PODs manufactured by InVue Security ProductsInc. (e.g., Series 950, 1000, and 2000 PODs).

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a merchandise security system 10 forsecuring articles of merchandise M from theft or unauthorized removal.The system 10 generally includes one or more display positions, whereineach display position includes a security device 40 that is supported ona display counter “DC” (e.g., a counter, shelf, support, or the like). Asecurity device 40 may generally include a sensor 12, a tether 14, and abase 16, although other arrangements may be contemplated (e.g., omittingthe tether). The sensor 12 is configured to be secured to the article ofmerchandise M, such as with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The sensor 12is electrically connected to the tether 14, such as with a connector orvia hardwiring. One end of the tether 14 may be electrically connectedto the base 16, while the opposite end of the tether may be electricallyconnected to the sensor 12. The tether 14 and/or base 16 may beelectrically connected to or otherwise in electrical communication witha controller 20, as explained in further detail below. In someembodiments, the tether 14 is electrically connected to a recoiler toallow the tether to extend and retract relative thereto. The recoilermay in turn be electrically connected to the controller 20. Althoughfour security devices are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is understood thatthe controller 20 may be configured to communicate with any number ofsecurity devices, including one or more. Moreover, in some embodiments,one or more controllers 20 may be employed. In some embodiments, thecontroller 20 and the security devices 40 are independent of one anothersuch that the controller may be positioned remotely from the securitydevices (e.g., under the display counter).

The base 16 is configured to removably support the sensor 12 thereonsuch that the sensor and article of merchandise may be removed from thebase for inspection and returned to the base. The base 16 may define anopening therethrough that allows the tether 14 to extend and retractrelative to the base. It is understood that although a tetheredembodiment is shown, it is understood that “tetherless” embodiments mayalso be utilized such as where the base 16 and the sensor 12 communicatewirelessly. For example, the base 16 and the sensor 12 may be configuredto communicate wirelessly in order to ensure that the article ofmerchandise M is maintained within a predetermined location or distancerelative to the base. In other embodiments, the article of merchandise Mmay be configured to be removably supported directly on the base 16 suchthat the sensor 12 may be integrated into the article. One example ofwireless technology is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No.13/474,862, entitled Systems and Methods for Protecting Retail DisplayMerchandise From Theft, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety herein.

In some embodiments, the sensor 12 and/or base 16 may include alarmingcircuitry 18 or the like that is configured to determine whether varioussecurity events have occurred for generating an audible and/or a visualalarm or signal (see, e.g., FIG. 2). The sensor 12 and/or base 16 mayalso include an alarm 22 (e.g., a piezoelectric device) that isconfigured to generate an audible alarm or signal. In some cases, thesensor 12 and/or base 16 may include a visual indicator (e.g., an LED)for emitting a visual signal when the alarming circuitry 18 is armedand/or alarming. Moreover, the sensor 12 and/or base 16 may include atransfer port 25 that is configured to communicate with a key for armingand/or disarming the alarming circuitry 18 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). In oneembodiment, the transfer port 25 is configured to communicate wirelesslywith a key in order to determine whether the key is authorized to armand/or disarm the alarming circuitry 18. According to some embodiments,the key is similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,737,845, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entiretyherein. According to one embodiment, the sensor 12 may include apressure switch or the like that is configured to detect when thearticle of merchandise M has been removed from the sensor. The alarmingcircuitry 18 may be configured to detect the removal of the article ofmerchandise M and/or cutting of the tether 14 and generate an audibleand/or a visual alarm in response thereto.

The controller 20 may include a processor 24, CPU, or the like that isconfigured to facilitate communication with each of the security devices40, both individually and collectively. For example, the controller 20may be a digital interface box (“DIB”) or a power interface box (“PIB”)in some embodiments. The controller 20 may include communicationscircuitry 26 that is configured to transmit and receive signals and datafrom each of the security devices 40. The controller 20 may also includea memory 28 for storing various data regarding each of the articles ofmerchandise M and the security devices 40, as explained in furtherdetail below. In one embodiment, the controller 20 is electricallyconnected to each of the security devices 40 via “wired” means, such asone or more electrical conductors. The controller 20 may be configuredto transmit power to each of the security devices 40 and the articles ofmerchandise M via the electrical conductors. In other embodiments, thecontroller 20 and the security devices 40 may be configured tocommunicate with one another wirelessly. In order to provide power tothe security devices 40, the security devices may utilize wireless powerfunctionality, such as contact or inductive charging technology. Inaddition, the controller 20 may be configured to transmit and/orregulate the voltage provided to each of the security devices 40 and/orarticles of merchandise M. For example, the controller 20 may be inelectrical communication with an input power source and configured totransmit power at the appropriate voltage to each of the securitydevices 40 and the articles of merchandise M.

The controller 20 may also be configured to communicate wirelessly witha remote device 30. However, it is understood that other communicationtechniques may be used between the controller 20 and the remote device30, including wired communication (e.g., via one or more electricalconductors). According to various embodiments, the remote device 30could be a handheld device (e.g., a cellular phone, tablet, or smartphone), a key, or other computing device (e.g., a computer). The remotedevice 30 may be configured to communicate with the controller 20 inorder to perform various functions. For instance, the remote device 30may be configured to transmit a signal to the controller 20 to lock downeach of the security devices 40 such that the article of merchandise Mand the sensor 12 may be not be removed from the base 16. In someembodiments, the remote device 30 may also be configured to communicatedirectly with one or more of the security devices 40 for performingsimilar functionality. Thus, one or more security devices 40 may includesimilar communications circuitry as that of the controller 20.

Such a lock down could be carried out using various locking mechanismsthat are configured to operably engage the article of merchandise M suchthat the article of merchandise cannot be removed from the base 16. Inone example, the locking mechanism is an electromechanical lockingmechanism that is configured to be actuated in response to a signalprovided by the controller to each security device. In one embodiment,FIG. 3 shows a base 16 including one or more engagement members 31 thatare configured to extend and retract (as shown by the illustratedarrows) to engage respective openings 32 defined in the sensor 12 whenthe sensor is resting on the base. Alternatively, the sensor 12 couldinclude one or more engagement members for engaging the base 16, or thebase may be configured to engage the article of merchandise M (e.g.,with a clamp mechanism or one or more locking arms).

It is understood that any desired type of locking mechanism could beutilized, whether implementing mechanical, electrical, and/or magneticmeans. For example, in some embodiments, a shape memory material (e.g.,Nitinol) may be used in connection with a locking mechanism. Forexample, electrical power provided by the remote device 30 may betransferred to the locking mechanism for causing a change in shape inthe shape memory material (e.g., a change in length), thereby actuatinga mechanical lock mechanism. In one example, where a shape memorymaterial is utilized, a change in shape of the shape memory material maycause mechanical actuation (e.g., linear and/or rotary movement) of thelocking mechanism. The shape memory material may be operably engagedwith a locking mechanism in any number of configurations to facilitatesuch actuation. Moreover, the shape memory material may be any suitablematerial, such as a metal, a polymer, or a combination thereof, that isconfigured to change its shape (e.g., length, area, etc.) in response toan electric current or a change in temperature and to return to itsoriginal shape after the electric current is no longer transferredtherethrough. For example, transferring current through the shape memorymaterial may cause the material to be heated and thereby contract. Uponremoval of the current, the shape memory material may return to itsoriginal shape. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may utilizeshape memory material and be similar to that disclosed in in U.S.application Ser. No. 14/328,051, entitled Merchandise Security Devicesfor Use with an Electronic Key, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

Thus, the sensor 12 may be physically locked to the base 16 via thelocking mechanism, or in the instance where a recoiler is used, therecoiler may be physically locked to prevent the tether from beingextended therefrom. Furthermore, the remote device 30 may includesoftware or an application that allows a user to select particularsecurity functions, data, security devices 40, and/or articles ofmerchandise M for controlling and/or communicating therewith.

In some embodiments, the remote device 30 is configured to communicatewith the controller 20 to simultaneously lock down each of the securitydevices 40. In addition or alternatively, the remote device 30 may beconfigured to communicate with the controller 20 and each securitydevice 40 selectively. For example, the remote device 30 may provide asignal to the controller 20 to only lock down a specific security device40 while the remaining security devices remain available for inspectionby a consumer. Thus, the remote device 30 may be configured to selectspecific security devices 40 or articles of merchandise M, which may beindicated by a particular display position or other identifier.

Advantageously, the remote device 30 may be configured to communicatewith the controller 20 from any desired location. In this regard, asales associate with access to a remote device 30 may activate theremote device at any location in a retail environment, such as adepartment store. This may be beneficial for a retailer since allsecurity devices 40 may be armed, disarmed, locked, or unlockedcollectively rather than on an individual basis. Such collectivecommunication could also be useful when an emergency or potential theftoccurs so that a retailer may be able to act quickly. It may also beuseful for a retailer when closing a store or at night when the retailerwishes to lock down security devices 40. Although described for use in aretail environment, it is evident that remote communication forperforming various security functions may be useful in otherenvironments where electrical articles are utilized (e.g., a restaurant,a hospital, etc.). In one embodiment, the remote device 30 may beconfigured to communicate over a cellular network in order tocommunicate with the controller 20 for performing various functions.Thus, the remote device 30 may be configured to communicate fromlocations that are remote from the security devices 40 (e.g., rangingfrom within a store to several miles away). Accordingly, the remotedevice 30 may be configured to communicate “remotely” in that the remotedevice 30 and the controller 20 do not need to be in proximity with oneanother or in physical engagement with one another in order tocommunicate with one another. However, in some cases, the remote device30 may be configured for communication in close proximity to a securitydevice 40 and/or the controller 20, which may be used to lock one ormore security devices. For example, the security device 40 and/orcontroller may include means for facilitating communication with theremote device 30 when the remote device is positioned proximate to,adjacent to, or in contact with the security device or the controller.It is understood that the remote device 30 and the controller 20 maycommunicate with any desired means, such as cellular networks, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth communication, and the like. The controller 20 and/or theremote device 40 may include communications circuitry or a transceiverthat is configured to facilitate such communication with one another.

According to another embodiment, each security device 40 may include atransfer port 25 or communications circuit that facilitatescommunication with a remote device 30. Thus, a remote device 30 could beconfigured to communicate with individual security devices 40 to performvarious functions (e.g., locking the sensor 12 to the base 16 or lockingthe recoiler). In addition, the alarming circuitry 18 may be configuredto generate an alarm in response to removal of the sensor 12 from thebase 16 during a locked state. Such removal could be detected usingvarious sensors, such as a proximity or an optical switch.

Furthermore, the remote device 30 may be configured to request variousdata regarding a security device 40 and/or an article of merchandise M.For example, the controller 20 may be configured to collect and storevarious information regarding the article of merchandise M, such as, thenumber of “pulls” or “pickups” of a particular article of merchandise,the type of article, the location of the article, etc. Thus, a usercould use a remote device 30 to request information regarding a specificarticle of merchandise M by communicating with the controller 20.Additional examples of types of data that may be collected in responseto interaction with the article of merchandise may be found, forexample, in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/856,664, entitled MerchandiseUser Tracking System and Method, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

If desired, the controller 20 may also be electrically connected to anoptional auxiliary component, such as a digital media system forproviding advertising content to, and/or for obtaining customerinteraction data from, one or more of the security devices 40. Forexample, the controller 20 may be in communication with a media playerfor providing optional media content related to the article ofmerchandise M. In some embodiments, the controller is configured tooperate in conjunction with a digital signage system as known to thoseskilled in the art.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Therefore, it is understood and appreciated that the inventionis not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, andthat modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other undisclosedembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for displaying and securing articles ofmerchandise, the method comprising: remotely communicating with aplurality of security devices via a remote device, each of the securitydevices comprising a sensor configured to be attached to an article ofmerchandise and further comprising a base for removably supporting thesensor and the article of merchandise thereon, wherein each of thesecurity devices further comprises a tether connected to the sensor atone end of the tether and configured to be received within the base forsecuring the sensor relative to the base, each sensor and a respectivearticle of merchandise attached thereto configured to be removed from arespective base for inspection and returned to a rested position on thebase for display; and locking at least one of the sensors on arespective base in response to a remote signal received from the remotedevice such that sensor and the article of merchandise attached theretocannot be removed from the base in the rested position.
 22. The methodof claim 21, wherein locking comprises receiving the remote signal overa wireless network.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein lockingcomprises locking each of the sensors to a respective basesimultaneously.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein locking comprisesselectively locking one of the sensors on a respective base.
 25. Themethod of claim 21, wherein locking comprises receiving a wirelessremote signal from a remote device.
 26. The method of claim 21, whereinlocking comprises actuating a locking mechanism disposed within the baseto physically engage the base and the sensor.
 27. A merchandise securitysystem comprising: a plurality of security devices, each of the securitydevices comprising a sensor configured to be attached to an article ofmerchandise and further comprising a base for removably supporting thesensor and the article of merchandise thereon, wherein each of thesecurity devices further comprises a tether connected to the sensor atone end of the tether and configured to be received within the base forsecuring the sensor relative to the base, each sensor and a respectivearticle of merchandise attached thereto configured to be removed from arespective base for inspection and returned to a rested position on thebase for display; and alarming circuitry configured to detect removal ofeach sensor from a respective article of merchandise attached thereto,wherein each of the plurality of security devices is configured toremotely communicate with a remote device, wherein each of the pluralityof security devices comprises a locking mechanism, and wherein eachlocking mechanism is configured to be actuated in response to a signalfrom the remote device to lock the sensor on the base such that thesensor and the article of merchandise attached thereto cannot be removedfrom the base in the rested position.
 28. The merchandise securitysystem of claim 27, wherein the locking mechanism of each of theplurality of security devices comprises at least one engagement memberconfigured to engage the sensor to physically lock the sensor on thebase in the rested position.
 29. The merchandise security system ofclaim 27, wherein each of the plurality of security devices furthercomprises a recoiler connected to the tether and configured to allow thetether to extend and retract relative to the base, the locking mechanismconfigured to physically lock the recoiler to prevent the tether frombeing extended therefrom and to thereby lock the sensor on the base inthe rested position.
 30. The merchandise security system of claim 27,wherein each sensor and/or each base comprises alarming circuitry forgenerating an audible and/or a visual signal in response to removal ofthe article of merchandise from the sensor.
 31. The merchandise securitysystem of claim 27, wherein the plurality of security devices areconfigured to remotely communicate with the remote device over awireless network.
 32. The merchandise security system of claim 27,wherein the locking mechanism of each of the plurality of securitydevices is configured to be locked using a key, the key beingindependent of the remote device.
 33. The merchandise security system ofclaim 27, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to prevent thetether from being extended relative to the base when the lockingmechanism is locked.
 34. The merchandise security system of claim 33,wherein each of the plurality of security devices further comprises arecoiler connected to the tether and configured to allow the tether toextend and retract relative to the base, the locking mechanismconfigured to prevent the tether from being extended therefrom.
 35. Themerchandise security system of claim 27, wherein at least one of theplurality of security devices is configured to receive a request fromthe remote device for data regarding the at least one security device.36. The merchandise security system of claim 27, wherein at least one ofthe articles of merchandise is configured to receive a request from theremote device for data regarding the at least one article ofmerchandise.
 37. The merchandise security system of claim 36, whereinthe data comprises a type of the article of merchandise.
 38. Themerchandise security system of claim 27, wherein at least one of theplurality of security devices is configured to be armed or disarmed inresponse to a signal from the remote device.
 39. The merchandisesecurity system of claim 27, wherein each locking mechanism is housedwithin a respective base.
 40. The merchandise security system of claim27, wherein at least one of the plurality of security devices isconfigured to be unlocked in response to a signal from the remotedevice.
 41. The merchandise security system of claim 27, furthercomprising the remote device, wherein the remote device is a computingdevice.
 42. The merchandise security system of claim 41, wherein thecomputing device is configured to remotely and wirelessly communicatewith each of the plurality of security devices.
 43. The merchandisesecurity system of claim 27, further comprising a key configured tocommunicate with any one of the plurality of security devices to arm ordisarm the alarming circuitry, the key being independent of the remotedevice.
 44. The merchandise security system of claim 27, furthercomprising the remote device, wherein the remote device comprisessoftware configured to allow a user to select particular articles ofmerchandise for controlling and/or communicating therewith.
 45. Themerchandise security system of claim 27, further comprising the remotedevice, wherein the remote device comprises software configured to allowa user to select any one of plurality of security devices forcontrolling the selected security device.
 46. The merchandise securitysystem of claim 27, wherein each of the plurality of security devices isconfigured to communicate directly with the remote device.
 47. Themerchandise security system of claim 27, further comprising acontroller, wherein the controller is configured to wirelesslycommunicate with each of the plurality of security devices, and whereinthe controller is configured to remotely communicate with the remotedevice for controlling at least one of the plurality of securitydevices.
 48. The merchandise security system of claim 27, furthercomprising the remote device, wherein the remote device comprisessoftware configured to allow a user to select any one of plurality ofsecurity devices for communicating therewith.
 49. The merchandisesecurity system of claim 27, further comprising the remote device,wherein the remote device is configured to obtain data regarding alocation of at least one of the plurality of articles of merchandise.50. The merchandise security system of claim 27, further comprising theremote device, wherein the remote device is configured to remotelycommunicate with each of the plurality of security devices to lock eachof the locking mechanisms collectively.
 51. The merchandise securitysystem of claim 27, further comprising the remote device, wherein theremote device is configured to remotely communicate with any one of theplurality of security devices to selectively lock at least one of thelocking mechanisms.
 52. The merchandise security system of claim 27,further comprising the remote device, wherein the remote device is ahandheld cellular device.
 53. The merchandise security system of claim27, wherein each of the plurality of security devices are configured tobe located within a retail store and to remotely communicate with theremote device when the remote device is located outside of the retailstore.
 54. A merchandise security system comprising: a plurality ofsecurity devices, each of the security devices comprising a sensorconfigured to be attached to an article of merchandise and furthercomprising a base for removably supporting the sensor and the article ofmerchandise thereon, each sensor and a respective article of merchandiseattached thereto configured to be removed from a respective base forinspection and returned to a rested position on the base for display;and alarming circuitry configured to detect removal of each sensor froma respective article of merchandise attached thereto, wherein each ofthe plurality of security devices is configured to remotely communicatewith a remote device, wherein each of the plurality of security devicescomprises a locking mechanism, wherein each locking mechanism isconfigured to be actuated in response to a signal from the remote deviceto lock the sensor on the base such that the sensor and the article ofmerchandise attached thereto cannot be removed from the base in therested position, and wherein the alarming circuitry is configured to bearmed or disarmed in response to communication with a key, the key beingindependent of the remote device.